Substance profile
Ethyl Methacrylate
Ethyl Methacrylate is colorless, liquid with an acrid odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl Methacrylate is
Ethyl Methacrylate is colorless, liquid with an acrid odor. Its molecular formula is C6H10O2 and its molecular weight is 114.14 g/mol. It boils at 117 °C, melts at -75 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P261, P264, P272, P280, P302, P305, P313, P332, P333, P337, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl Methacrylate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 117 °C (242.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 117.22 °C (243 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -75 °C (-103 °F) | CAMEO | |
| Density | 0.91 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.9135 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.9151 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in chloroform; miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether | HSDB | |
| Insoluble in water | HSDB | ||
| In water, 5.4X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 20.59 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 15.0012 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 20 °C (68 °F) | Open cup | HSDB |
| 15.56 °C (60 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 20 °C (68 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 393 °C (739.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 393.33 °C (740 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 450 °C (842 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 20.59 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.94 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| 3.9 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl Methacrylate
Storage conditions
Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, and nitrates). Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where ethyl methacrylate is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of ethyl methacrylate should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of ethyl methacrylate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Forms explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with strong acids, amines, ozidizers. Corrodes some metals.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
May polymerize if heated for prolonged periods or accidentally contaminated. If polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may violently rupture. Can react with oxidizing materials. When heated to decomposition it emits irritating fumes and acrid smoke [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1576].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyl Methacrylate in the storage compatibility matrix →